SOUTHPORT MP John Pugh says he has received a “massive, positive” response after accusing the BBC of ‘dramatising' its reporting of the economic downturn.

The Liberal Democrat MP tabled a motion in parliament calling for research into the influence of the media’s reporting on “the fragile psychology of the City and on the real jobs of ordinary people.”

Dr Pugh criticised the BBC for using its “significant global reach to further dramatise, accentuate and underline economic woes” in contrast with the approach “of local, community-based media.”

The motion led to debate on BBC programmes, including the PM and the Today programme on Radio 4, and North West Tonight.

Dr Pugh admits not discussing the motion with party leaders but felt compelled after contrasting national and international BBC coverage with local coverage provided by the Visiter.

He said: “There has been a massive, positive response from the public following the publicity but I would not have done it if I had not been impressed by the more responsible ‘can do’ approach shown by my local media in Southport.

“Research is needed into whether the media piling on the agony and putting the worst possible gloss on events actually makes things even worse, leading to a collapse in confidence.

“Frankly the BBC could have slaughtered me and to their credit it started a serious debate and I have subsequently had very thoughtful discussions with BBC editors.”

The BBC has been criticised by some for breaking “market-sensitive” news in relation to the banking crisis.

Thousands of customers lined up outside Northern Rock branches in 2007 after business editor Robert Peston broke the news that the bank had agreed an emergency loan from the Bank of England to keep it afloat.

Many felt the BBC was partially responsible for the subsequent run on the bank, which was only stopped when the government guaranteed all savings.